When to plant Chard in Morgan County, IN
Plant Chard in Morgan County after April 12; the prime window is March 29–April 19. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Morgan County, IN
Top priorities for Morgan County, Indiana gardeners in August
August rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Morgan County, Indiana.
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Kick off the fall garden with chard
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
Swiss chard is a colorful, heat-tolerant green with large crinkled leaves and vibrant stalks in red, yellow, and white. Both the leaves and stems are edible and nutritious.
Morgan County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 839 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 31.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Chard Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Morgan County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Morgan County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Chard will thrive.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
Chard Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chard
Chard needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chard Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Morgan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chard Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chard Planting Timeline — Morgan County, IN
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Chard in Morgan County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 12 in Morgan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production. Chard tolerates both heat and light frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Morgan County, IN?
Morgan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, IN?
Morgan County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Chard in Morgan County, IN?
In Morgan County, IN, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morgan County, IN for Chard?
Morgan County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Morgan County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Morgan County's temperate climate. Morgan County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morgan County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.